26% and anxiety-like mood levels by 16%.
The daytime-only group had no mood changes.
The participants with a greater degree of circadian misalignment experienced more mood changes, the authors said.
When is the best time to eat?
When the main circadian clock in the brain is out of sync with our eating rhythms, it impacts the brain’s ability to function fully. Irregular meal times can also contribute to poor maintenance of moods for people with depression and bipolar disorder.
So when exactly is the best time to eat?
Intermittent fasting, also known as restricting the eating window to a certain amount of time during the day (typically four to 12 hours), is the best way to optimize brain function, energy metabolism and the healthy signaling of metabolic hormones.
Research has already shown that intermittent fasting can prevent depression and anxiety symptoms. Even better, eating on a regular schedule is also beneficial to reduce the risk of health issues such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
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The beginner’s guide to intermittent fasting
If you want to begin intermittent fasting, the following tips will help ease you into the transition:
- Start slow. For example, you might start with a 12-hour fast and have a 12-hour eating window while building up to the eating window you desire.
- Drink a lot of water. Sometimes our bodies confuse being thirsty with feeling hungry. That’s why it’s best to stay hydrated when you are intermittent fasting.
- Find something that works with your schedule. Make sure the window you choose falls during a time when you’ll actually be able to sit down and eat. For example, choosing a window during a hectic workday isn’t exactly ideal.